MJ Fox Foundation researching possible higher Parkinson’s risk for Jews

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 15 April 2016

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The incidence of mutated genes that can develop into Parkinson’s disease in Jews is being researched by The Michael J Fox Foundation.

The biggest genetic indicator of Parkinson’s is 10 times more prevalent in Ashkenazi Jews than in the general population, research has revealed.

A new global study will track how often mutated LRRK2 genes – which are present in 10 per cent of Ashkenazim – develops into the disease. A second mutated gene called GBA was also found to be more common in this ethnic group. A saliva test can show whether a patient has these mutated genes.

Gemma Loebenberg, a specialist at the National Institute of Health Research, which leads this investigation, said: “People who have one of those genes have a 50 per cent chance of passing it to their children.”

She called on Jews with Parkinson’s, or who have relatives with the condition, to volunteer for the study.

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MJ Fox Foundation researching possible higher Parkinson’s risk for Jews

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 15 April 2016

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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MJ Fox Foundation researching possible higher Parkinson’s risk for Jews

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 15 April 2016

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Interviews

Portraits of young onset Parkinson’s

Interviews

Frozen faces: 15 icy images that show what it’s like to lose control of your expressions

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PD in Practice

What you need to know about apomorphine pump treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

Long-term exposure to air pollution could impact Parkinson’s disease mortality risk

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